A seasonal item that goes on sale a week or two before Chanukah, the assortment of Draydels on the market can make your head spin. First used by Jewish children to divert the Greek-Syrian soldiers from catching them studying Torah, the Draydel is the oldest toy still in use today.

Basically, all Draydels operate on the same principle. But as it turns out, newfangled ingenious Draydel contraptions keep appearing every year.

Draydels range in size and cost. The smallest Draydel is only about two inches tall, which is dwarfed by "the Draydel house" found at certain shopping malls. As big as a closet or a small room, this is a Draydel you can really get into.

A small Draydel can cost as little as a nickel, while some of the bigger sizes will cost several dollars. Most Draydels are manufactured in Taiwan, while the Israeli production can be identified by the different "Pay" serial letter.

To help the consumer choose the Draydel that suits them best, this report records the results of Draydel strengths/weaknesses, tested in actual conditions.

We have rated the Draydels by the letters: N,G,H,S.

Caution: A Draydel bearing less than all four serial letters is defective.

Unlike other merchandise that cannot be used before sale, the basic rule of thumb is that the consumer can give the Draydel a whirl, to try it out before buying. Take it for a test spin before making the final decision.

Metal: Some very expensive models are made of silver, but metal Draydels are usually made of lead. An old fashioned type, it is considered a heavy weight among Draydels. Popular in the 40's and 50s, it has since been replaced by plastic.

Wood: Natural material of original first used by the Maccabees. Hand-crafted and hand lettered. Olivewood available. Big models may be equipped with pull string.

Metal/Wood/Paper: Cardstock wings turn on pencil's wood & lead point.

Transparent Plastic: 4" hollow cube. Refillable with candy. Sweet, but wobbly.

Plastic Wings: Small pocket size, not recommended for children under 3

Solid Plastic: Most popular brand. Available in 2 sizes.

Chocolate: Melts in mouth. Edible and delicious, but high in calories.

Cookie Cutters: Will not spin, but in very good taste.

Paper Mache: Large. Decorative. Used as pinnate filled with sweets at parties

Space age: Top Resembles UFO or streamlined space station.

Paper: Frill Crepe paper is best as colorful decoration. Keep dry.

Plastic Balloon: Inflatable, hang as decoration. Useless if punctured.

Mechanical: Walking Draydel works as wind-up toy. Walks slowly in straight line rather spinning in circles. Some models also sing and talk.

Clay: Popularized in song. Home or school made, not available commercially. Ceramic or Crystal. Expensive, Draydel available as artistic rendition.

Cardboard: Bulky, constructed by folding cardboard sheet into square with triangular bottom. Collapsible/Refillable: See above Plastic pocket.

Draydel House: Big, stationary, found in some shopping malls. Not for sale, used as promotional holiday awareness exhibit.

 

	Advanced Technology Puts New Spin on Draydel Hi-Tech Draydel Stirs Revolution! The OFFICIAL DRAYDEL OPERATORS MANUAL You are now the proud owner of a high-quality, state of the art Draydel which can make you a winner! A multi-faceted interactive, educational and entertainment micro system, the versatile Draydel utilizes maximum kinetic transfer technology, putting years of wondrous experience at your fingertips. Rotating rapidly on its axis, the Draydel is driven by centrifugal forces that defy gravitational pull. Operates efficiently on renewable energy, at high, medium or low speeds. Velocity & RPM levels are adjusted by flick of a finger. Perfectly balanced and precision-engineered, it is virtually maintenance free. The Draydel has no moving parts. No batteries or upgrades required. Quick start instructions: To use, hold joystick-like handle in upright position, using thumb and middle finger to accelerate. Best on smooth surfaces with low coefficient of friction. Small footprint, silent operation. Device may appear stationary, but whirring sound indicates that draydel is in use. After completing spinning mode, the Draydel reaches its turning point, and begins to gyrate, displaying various conic sections as it decelerates. Draydel will then shut down automatically. Quick turnaround time allows it to be used repeatedly. Follow instruction code indicated on top and restart.

by Rabbi Israel Rubin